My Night with Sal’s “Nifty Nickel Night” Edition: Sharing Those Nickels

I’ve always been fascinated by nickels—those humble coins that often hide incredible stories in our pockets. Recently, I dove into Sal’s “Nifty Nickel Night” theme, where I explored my collection and discovered some real gems, from everyday finds to rare errors. It’s amazing how these small pieces of history can spark such joy in a collector like me.

Highlights from My Nickel Showcase

As I rummaged through my stash, I focused on sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly—because every nickel has its charm. Here’s what stood out:

• A standout in my collection is a split planchet silver War Nickel. I own both halves, which is a rare treat since these errors occur when the coin blank separates during striking. The fact that it’s a War Nickel (1942–1945) adds value with its 35% silver content, making it a prized piece for both error and precious metal enthusiasts.
• I also pulled out some coins with cuds, those dramatic die breaks that create raised blobs on the surface. For instance, one Jefferson Nickel had a prominent cud near the rim, which I always check for in circulated coins—it’s a fun way to spot minting mishaps without breaking the bank.
• Varieties like the 1941 S Jefferson Nickel caught my eye, with both large and small mint mark versions. The large “S” is scarcer and commands a premium in higher grades, while the small “S” is more common but still a must-have for series completists. I made sure to examine them under good light to appreciate the subtle differences.

Practical Advice for Nickel Collecting

Based on my experience, nickels are a fantastic entry point for new collectors and a deep dive for veterans. Here’s what I keep in mind:

• Grading tips: Always start with the basics—look for full steps on Jefferson Nickels (especially 1939–1942), where the detail on Monticello’s stairs indicates a higher grade. I use a 5x loupe to check for wear on high points like Jefferson’s cheek or the building’s roof.
• Market observations: War Nickels are hot right now due to silver’s volatility, often trading above melt value in decent condition. For common dates, I focus on uncirculated examples; they’re affordable and easy to find in rolls, but rarities like the 1950-D can fetch over $100 in MS-65.
• Error hunting: Keep an eye out for off-center strikes, clipped planchets, or doubled dies—they add excitement to any hunt. I learned that split planchets like mine are graded separately for each half, so preserve them in holders to maintain value.

Coin Roll Hunting Strategies

I love coin roll hunting (CRH) for nickels—it’s a budget-friendly way to build a collection. Here’s how I approach it:

• Start with bank boxes; I aim for $100 rolls to increase my odds of finding silver War Nickels or key dates. Always ask for customer-wrapped rolls, as they’re less picked over.
• Sort methodically: I inspect edges first for silver War Nickels (they have a duller gray look), then check dates and mint marks. Common finds like 1940s nickels can hide in plain sight, so I document each hunt in a logbook.
• Focus on errors: While hunting, I look for cuds, repunched mint marks, or weak strikes. It’s a numbers game—I might go through 50 rolls to find one keeper, but the thrill is worth it.

Wrapping up, Sal’s “Nifty Nickel Night” reminded me why I collect: it’s not just about value, but the joy of uncovering history in every coin. Whether you’re hunting rolls or admiring errors, nickels offer endless fun. I encourage you to dig through your own stash—you never know what nifty treasures await!